Wednesday, 23 September 2015

Hearty Vegetarian Quinoa Chili

I have a passion for health and nutrition and I enjoy
challenging myself and my husband to try new foods or foods in new ways! As a
child I wasn’t exposed to a large variety of foods. We were a “typical” meat,
potatoes, and vegetable family, and I’ll admit I was a bit picky. Now, along with
trying new foods, one area of focus was trying to incorporate more legumes like
beans into my diet as high fiber, lower fat and budget - friendly substitute to
meat. Whether canned or
dried, pulses make a great addition or meat-substitute to a variety of dishes
including tacos, salads, casseroles, nachos, pizza, omelets, quesadillas, stews
and even burgers. For dishes like casseroles or tacos which typically use
ground meat, I use part ground meat and part beans to stretch out the ‘meat’
portion, as a slow introduce to beans and to make a healthier dish. Today I’ve decided to share a simple
vegetarian chili recipe from which I found this past year. It will warm you up
as we transition into the fall, can incorporate all 4 food groups, and uses
some foods I’ve added into my diet recently: beans, quinoa and avocado!

Ingredients:

4 tsp (20mL) olive oil

2 cups (500mL) roughly chopped cremini
mushrooms (6oz/180g)

2 onions, diced

1 jalapeno, finely chopped

2 Tbsp (25mL) chili powder

1 can (796mL) Diced
Tomatoes

1 can (540mL) 6 Bean
Medley, drained and rinsed

½ cup (125mL) Quinoa

Instructions

In large saucepan, heat oil
over medium heat. Cook mushrooms and onions for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring
often, or until golden.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to
medium-low, cover and cook for 20 minutes or until quinoa is tender.

Serve garnished with Yogurt and chopped fresh coriander, if desired.

Dietitian’s Tips: I enjoy garnishing
my chili with some shredded cheese, a dollop of mashed avocado mixed with plain
Greek yogurt and sprinkled with chopped cilantro!I am using the plain Greek yogurt as a low
fat and nutrient rich alternative to sour cream, still getting the delicious
creamy taste. The addition of the cheese and yogurt incorporates the last of
the four foods groups into this meal!

Feel free to be creative and make
this recipe your own by adding some other foods! Here are some ideas of what
you could add: peppers (any colour), celery, garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes,
cocoa powder, any beans (black beans, kidney beans), lentils, extra lean ground
turkey, low sodium vegetable juice or no salt added broth (if less thick
desired), etc.

I also have made this recipe in the
crock pot, add everything in the morning cook on low for 6-8 hours and enjoy
when you get home.

I hope you enjoy this tasty
vegetarian dinner with all four food groups!